This bill eliminates the peer workforce navigator pilot program and establishes the Community Workforce Connections Program beginning October 1, 2025 to provide peer support and community-based workforce navigation services to unemployed and underemployed individuals facing barriers to employment to help them increase their economic security. The bill provides that the program be funded by the Competitive Skills Scholarship Fund. The bill amends the law governing the Competitive Skills Scholarship Program to authorize an added method of service delivery through an educational cohort model targeted to assist low-income individuals and individuals who may face barriers to education or successful workforce participation participating in a shared curriculum or program; increases the ways in which individuals can qualify for the program; and changes the application, decision and appeal process.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text LD 1956, SP 764: 26.1166, 26.2033, 26.2065